Layout is the process of distributing graphic elements in the limited support space for various types of publications, such as magazines, newspapers, books, etc. Graphic elements are each and any textual element or image that composes the informational content of the printed paper.

There are two ways of a designer to build a layout: the first is using his intuition and sense of proportion and balance; the second one is using some proportion concepts developed by mathematicians, artists / designers or architects along the course of the history.